. . . but then July 2005, Rev. McHam showed us that hands-on was better!

Before Coalition volunteers cleaned off the fence. August 2004.

After the fence was cleaned. July 2005.

Kudzu on the bank is removed to keep the fence free of it. May 2006.

The embankment below the fence is the source of kudzu for the fence. The Coalition cleared kudzu from the nice evergreens planted by the property owners, which gives them a chance to flourish. The embankment is very steep in places. February 2006.

The heavy load from kudzu and other vines is hard on fences (April 2006) . . .

. . . but fortunately community volunteers, such as Rev. McHam bottom right, keep fences clean. He lives across the street, and likes to see a clean fence! Even after kudzu is eliminated, vines such as honeysuckle and morning glory can quickly cover up fences. Two young men supervise. August 2006.

The portion of the fence deeper into kudzu territory is in big trouble. What to do? March 2007.

Coalition volunteer Paul Savko gets to work! March 2007.

Coalition volunteer Paul David Blakeley clears out kudzu in front of the fence using his skid loader, left photograph, in March 2007. The right photograph shows the same stretch of fence as viewed from the other side after kudzu is removed in May 2007. The fence has definitely had a hard time because of the weight of kudzu on it over the years.

Here is a closeup view of the cleaned-up fence corner as it appears May 2007.

Compare this view of the fence in May 2007 with the similar but earlier March 2007 photograph. A plastic sheet is placed over kudzu to "knock it down", and make it easier to access its crowns for surgical removal.

In September 2007 the Coalition declared 100% kudzu kill for the fence along Beacon St.! This is the portion of the fence shown in the photographs at the top of this web page prior to March 2007.